For the Florida Gators to have a successful season, a multitude of players will need to step up. The good news is that they did not lose a lot of starters from last year’s team. However, the few starters that Florida did lose were game changers such as first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. As well as losing big names such as Trevor Etienne and Princely Umanmielen to the portal stings as well. However, this is a talented squad, they simply need someone to step up as the verbal leader. With this upcoming daunting schedule, someone will need to take command of this locker room. Despite being a younger squad, there are plenty of candidates who can step up and define this season. Florida utilized the transfer portal heavily, fans shouldn’t be surprised if a veteran transfer helps lead this squad. Most importantly, the Gators season depends on the play of the trenches.
Who Will Step Up For The Gators This Season
Line Leader
It has been no big secret that the Gators offensive line has been a bit of a struggle in years past. With this brutal schedule coming up, the offensive line must keep quarterback Graham Mertz from taking hits. Last season, Mertz took too many hits, as the offensive line was not physical enough. As evidenced by the running game, the line must attack off the ball rather than being pushed around. If anyone can step up and lead this unit it would be redshirt junior Damieon George Jr. Transferring over from Alabama last season. George struggled a tad as he played out of his natural position. As he makes the switch from tackle to guard, much is expected from this 6-foot-6, 345-pound unit. Now having a full season under his belt, George knows what it takes to win in the SEC. The Gators’ season depends on this group.
Ricky Pearsall Heirs
Arguably the best player on this team last season, Ricky Pearsall has left for the NFL, leaving a gaping hole. Luckily for the Gators, they return Freshman All-SEC receiver Eugene Wilson III. Leading the team in touchdown receptions last season, the Gators know that he can step up as a number one receiver. Getting better as the season progressed, Wilson was making a big impact late in the year. He now has played a full season of SEC football while racking in over 500 yards. Performing well throughout Spring Practice, he turned in quite a performance in the Orange and Blue game. Fans are undoubtedly excited about his potential, as he will have a big role this season. Look for him to step up early and often in week one against the Miami Hurricanes. However, he won’t have to do it all himself thanks to the transfer Elijhah Badger.
With the transfer from Arizona State, Badger comes to Gainesville with significant experience. Badger led the Sundevils in both receiving yards and receptions in back-to-back seasons. A true playmaker, the Gators will be able to line him up all over the field. Especially explosive after the catch, Badger should be the Gators’ short-game receiver. A weapon in the return game as well, he could return kickoffs in place of the departed Trevor Etienne. At 6 foot 1 and 190 pounds, Badger has a compact build that allows him to absorb hits. With Wilson manning the other receiver spot, the hole created by Pearsall leaving should be filled. This could be quite the dynamic receiver duo, as this is already an underrated offense. Week one will be telling, as it will be interesting to see how they scheme Badger into this run-heavy offense.
Top Notch Transfers
Last season, the Gators secondary struggled big time, especially with their open-field tackling. Losing safety Miguel Mitchell to the transfer portal opened a starting role. The Gators were quick to fill that spot with a player who many view to be a significant upgrade. Asa Turner from Washington comes in with playoff experience. Playing at Washington for five seasons, Turner should be one of the most experienced players on this defense. Missing the majority of last season due to an injury, he was able to return to action at the end of the season. Turner is strong in run support and a physical tackler, something the Gators desperately needed. Now, it will all come down to how smoothly he makes the transition into Austin Armstrong’s defense. He should be the starter opposite Jordan Castell, forming a formidable safety tandem.
Lastly, the Gators needed a proven linebacker next to leader Shemar James. When James went down with an injury last season, the defense oftentimes looked lost, with no one stepping up. Bringing in Grayson “Pup” Howard over from South Carolina should give James a running mate. Spending one season at South Carolina, Howard appeared in 11 games, earning valuable SEC playing time. Having a great Spring, fans are excited about what he brings to the table. This Gators defense as a whole hasn’t been a strong suit in years. Attacking the portal and rebranding this side of the ball should help drastically. This linebacker tandem could be one of the best in the SEC. If everything goes according to plan, this defense will be much improved at all three levels. Perhaps not one of the best in the country, the Gators’ season depends on their play.
